It’s not often that romantic comedies and jewel heists occupy the same space in an article, but that’s where our casting news has taken us. First up is Jacki Weaver, nominated for an Oscar for her role in last year’s Animal Kingdom. Weaver is in negotiations to join the David O. Russell (The Fighter) adaptation, The Silver Linings Playbook. The film stars Bradley Cooper as a former high school teacher returning home from a four year stint in a mental institution to live with his mother, played by Weaver. Cast also includes Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro.

Eric Bana (Hanna) is looking to join director Robert Luketic’s (21) heist-thriller, Brilliant. In a first time writing credit by Gillian Gorfil, who was a producer on Blood Diamond, the script involves a low-level criminal who joins up with polished thieves to attempt a diamond heist. Hit the jump for more on both of these projects.

Casting news for Weaver via THR also reports that the native-Aussie has seen a bump in the work load since her nomination. Having wrapped on The Five-Year Engagement with star Jason Segel, Weaver is currently shooting the Chan-wook Park directed Stoker, with a screenplay by Wentworth Miller. The Silver Linings Playbook has had some twists and turns in the casting department, but Weaver seems like a solid addition.

From Variety comes the news of Bana’s addition to Brilliant, which adds some shine to the cast. The project might lose its luster as I have a hard time anticipating a good diamond-heist from the director of such gems as Legally Blonde, Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! and The Ugly Truth.